Financing Overview
The good news about financing weight loss surgery abroad is that you are already starting from a much lower base cost. Instead of financing $20,000-$35,000 for US surgery, you may only need $4,000-$10,000 including travel and accommodation at hospitals like American Hospital Istanbul. This makes the financing more manageable and the loan terms shorter. Several financing strategies can help make bariatric surgery abroad accessible to nearly any budget.
Medical Loans & Credit Options
Medical lending companies specialize in healthcare financing and offer competitive rates for bariatric surgery. Prosper Healthcare Lending provides loans of $2,000-$35,000 with APRs from 5.99-35.99% and terms of 24-84 months. United Medical Credit offers similar products with quick approval. CareCredit provides promotional 0% APR for 6-24 months at participating providers. LightStream offers unsecured personal loans with fixed rates starting at 7.49% for medical expenses.
- Prosper Healthcare Lending: $2,000-$35,000, 5.99-35.99% APR, 24-84 month terms
- CareCredit: 0% promotional APR for 6-24 months at participating providers
- LightStream (SunTrust): Fixed rates from 7.49%, no fees, $5,000-$100,000
- United Medical Credit: Quick approval, works with international procedures
- Personal bank loans: Fixed rate personal loans from your existing bank
- Home equity loans/HELOC: Lower rates (5-8%) using home equity as collateral
Clinic Payment Plans
Many international bariatric clinics offer their own payment plans. Typical structures include: 30-50% deposit at booking with the remainder due before surgery, monthly installment plans over 3-12 months leading up to the procedure, and partnership financing through third-party medical credit companies. Some clinics offer interest-free plans for patients who pay in full before the surgery date. Hospitals like Koç University Hospital offer transparent pricing with flexible deposit schedules.
HSA & FSA Usage for Surgery Abroad
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can be used for bariatric surgery expenses if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. The IRS allows HSA/FSA usage for weight loss surgery prescribed by a physician for a specific disease (e.g., obesity with comorbidities). This includes the surgery itself, travel expenses directly related to medical care, and prescribed supplements. Consult your tax advisor for specific guidance on international medical expenses.
Insurance Alternatives
While most US health insurance does not cover international procedures, there are alternatives. Medical tourism insurance companies like Global Protective Solutions offer policies that cover the procedure and complications. Some international clinics accept US insurance for patients with bariatric surgery coverage, filing claims as out-of-network providers. Additionally, medical tourism facilitator companies sometimes negotiate group rates with insurance-like protection. Accredited hospitals such as Liv Hospital Istanbul work directly with several of these facilitators to streamline the process.
Medical Tax Deductions
Under IRS rules, medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of your adjusted gross income are tax-deductible. Bariatric surgery prescribed for a medical condition (not cosmetic purposes) qualifies. Deductible expenses include the surgery cost, travel expenses (airfare, lodging up to $50/night per person), and prescribed supplements. Keep all receipts and the letter of medical necessity for tax filing purposes.
Smart Budgeting Tips
- Set a realistic total budget including surgery, flights, hotel, insurance, and supplements
- Book flights 3-6 months in advance for the best prices
- Choose shoulder season (spring or fall) for lower travel costs
- Consider medical loan pre-approval before comparing clinics
- Use rewards credit cards for flights and hotel to earn points/miles
- Factor in ongoing vitamin and supplement costs ($30-$60/month)
- Calculate long-term savings from reduced medications and improved health
I was quoted $22,000 out-of-pocket for gastric sleeve with my insurance. Instead, I used a Prosper Healthcare Lending loan at 8.99% APR for my Turkey package ($5,500 all-inclusive). My monthly payment is $165 for 36 months — less than I was spending on diabetes medications alone.
Tamara J., Georgia — Financed Gastric Sleeve in Turkey
Explore affordable bariatric surgery options with flexible payment plans at international clinics.
Compare Affordable ClinicsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I finance weight loss surgery abroad?
Yes. Medical lending companies like Prosper Healthcare Lending and United Medical Credit offer loans for international medical procedures. Many international clinics also offer their own payment plans with deposits and installments.
Can I use my HSA/FSA for surgery abroad?
Yes, if the procedure is medically necessary and prescribed by a physician. You will need a letter of medical necessity and documentation of the medical condition (obesity with comorbidities). Consult your tax advisor for specific guidance.
Is bariatric surgery abroad tax-deductible?
Yes, if the surgery is medically necessary and your total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Surgery costs, travel expenses, and lodging (up to $50/night) are deductible. Keep all receipts and medical documentation.
What is the cheapest way to pay for surgery abroad?
The cheapest approach combines early booking (lower flight costs), choosing a value destination (Turkey or India), selecting an all-inclusive package, and using a 0% promotional APR credit card or low-interest medical loan. Total out-of-pocket can be as low as $4,500-$6,000 including all travel costs.
Do clinics abroad accept credit cards?
Yes, most international bariatric clinics accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Some also accept wire transfers and PayPal. Using a credit card with travel and purchase protection provides additional security.